Storage systems, apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Illustrative embodiments of a storage apparatus may be incorporated into a support structure, such as a table. The table may include a table top supported by a support post. The support post having a first end portion and a second end portion, the support post coupled to the table top. The storage apparatus may be spaced apart from the table top along the support post and may include an attachment aperture extending through the storage apparatus. The storage apparatus may have one or more storage receptacles arranged around the attachment aperture for storing small items such as cups and cell phones, etc. In the illustrative embodiment, the support post may extend through the attachment aperture of the storage apparatus to couple the storage apparatus to the support post at a location along the longitudinal axis of the support post that is spaced apart from the table top.

PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/260,591 filed on Nov. 29, 2015, and is hereinincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates in general to storage systems, apparatus,support structures and methods of assembling such structures. Thestorage systems and apparatus may be used for supporting items such asdrinks, containers, mobile devices, and other items. The storageapparatus may be particularly well suited to being incorporated intoanother support structure such as a table to provide a storage system.The storage system may be incorporated as a table or other supportstructure on a boat and other transportable structure.

BACKGROUND

Storage apparatus such as cup holders are very useful and are designedinto many products to make life more comfortable and organized. Boatsare one type of product where organization is imperative because spaceis at a premium. The mobile aspect of boats requires that storageapparatus on boats not just hold items, but also restrain items in placewhile moving. Movement related to the boat's velocity, waves and windcan cause items to shift out of place.

To address the problem of holding and restraining drinks on tables onboats, cup holders are often incorporated into the surface of the table.To secure the table, a post supporting the table top may be rigidlymounted to the floor of the boat.

SUMMARY

In general, this disclosure is directed to a system, an apparatus,support structure, method of storage and method of assembly. In someembodiments, the storage system may be used to store small items on aboat. The items may include, but are not limited to, drinks, cellphones, and other items.

Support structures such as tables often have cup holders incorporatedinto the surface of a table top. However, the present disclosureprovides the benefit that that even though cup holders may beincorporated into the surface of the table top, the present disclosureincreases the number of cup holders a given table can provide byutilizing space under the table surface. Unlike cup holders incorporatedinto the surface of the table, the storage system of the presentdisclosure also provides shade from the sun to the items being stored.The shade keeps drinks and items like cell phones or other temperaturesensitive items, cool.

Support structures such as tables for supporting weighted objects on aboat and other small spaces are generally restricted in size due to thelimited space available for egress and ingress around the table. Suchsupport structures are also commonly supported by a single post tominimize space consumption and provide extra egress and ingress room forpeople and their cargo (e.g., coolers, bags, bins, etc.). The presentstorage system utilizes the space below the support structure or table,but above the floor, normally reserved for a person's knees and feet toprovide extra cup holders. In some embodiments, the added storage isprovided without impinging on the space required for sliding a coolerunderneath the support structure (in the case of a table). The featuresdescribed herein provide additional storage space to a support structurewhile maintaining the necessary egress and ingress space.

An illustrative embodiment of a storage apparatus incorporated intosupport structure such as a table may include a table top extendingalong a table top plane the table top having a first table surfaceopposite a second table surface. The table may be supported by a supportpost extending along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular tothe table top plane. The support post extending from a first end portionat a first end, to a second end portion at a second end. The supportpost coupled to the table to at an end portion, although in someembodiments the table top may be coupled to the support post at otherlocations along the support post.

The table may further include the storage apparatus formed by a firststorage surface and a second storage surface opposite the first storagesurface. An attachment aperture may extend through the storage apparatusfrom the first storage surface to the second storage surface. The tabletop may have one or more storage receptacles arranged around theattachment aperture for storing small items such as cups and cellphones, etc. In the illustrative embodiment, the support post may extendthrough the attachment aperture of the storage apparatus to couple thestorage apparatus to the support post at a location along thelongitudinal axis of the support post that is spaced apart from thetable top. The attachment aperture may not be present in someembodiments.

The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a table (e.g., asupport structure) including a storage apparatus attached to a supportpost of the table.

FIG. 1b is a side view drawing of the illustrative embodiment of thetable including the storage apparatus of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1c is a side perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1d is a top perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1e is close up top perspective view of the storage apparatus andportions of the table of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1f is a close up lower perspective view of the underside of thestorage apparatus coupled to the support post by a fixation device ofthe table of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2a is a side perspective view of another illustrative embodiment ofa table including the storage apparatus.

FIG. 2b is a side view of the table of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2c is a top perspective view of the table of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3a-3e are top views of other embodiments of a storage apparatus.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the table of FIG. 1 including additionalstorage features.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative method of assembling the table and the storageapparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 6a-6b depict top views of an alternate embodiment of a storageapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawings which forma part thereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specificembodiments which may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from (e.g., still falling within) the scope of the disclosurepresented hereby.

Exemplary embodiments shall be described with reference to FIGS. 1a-1e,2a-2c, 3a-3e , 4, 5 and 6 a-6 b. It will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that elements (e.g., apparatus, structures, parts, portions,regions, configurations, functionalities, method steps, materials, etc.)from one embodiment may be used in combination with elements of theother embodiments, and that the possible embodiments of such apparatus,system and methods using combinations of features set forth herein isnot limited to the specific embodiments shown in the figures and/ordescribed herein. Further, it will be recognized that the embodimentsdescribed herein may include many elements that are necessarily shown toscale. Still further it will be recognized that the size and shape ofvarious elements herein may be modified but still fall within the scopeof the present disclosure, although certain one or more shapes and/orsizes or types of elements, may be advantageous over others. The use ofdirectional descriptions such as upwards and downwards is in relation tothe system as one of ordinary skill in the art would commonly use atable or other support structure. For convenience, axes will bedescribed in the drawings. The y-axis reflecting a vertical direction.The x-axis reflecting a horizontal direction (e.g., across the width ofa table or transversely across the width of a boat). The z-directionreflection a horizontal direction (e.g., across the width of a tableperpendicular to the x-axis (e.g., across the width of a table or alongthe longitudinal fore-aft direction of a boat).

Exemplary storage systems, apparatus and methods related to storingsmall items will be described herein. The storage system may beespecially useful when incorporated into a boat. The items the storageapparatus is configured to hold may include, but are not limited to,drinks, cell phones, foods such as snacks and other similarly sizeditems.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1e , and mostcompletely in FIG. 1b , the storage system 100 includes a supportsurface 110 (such as a table top), a support post 120, and a storageapparatus 200 configured to be coupled to the support post 120. In theillustrative embodiment the support post 120 is mountable, or couplableto a floor (e.g., fixed to the floor). The floor may be the floor of aboat (e.g., FIG. 1a ), but may also be the floor of a static structureor an RV.

The illustrative support surface 110 is configured to support weight andhas a first support surface 112 and a second support surface 114opposite the first support surface 112, the support surface 110 lying ina support surface plane 116. In the illustrative embodiment where thesupport structure is a table 100, the support surface 110 may also becalled a table top 110, the first support surface 112 may be called afirst table surface 112 and the second support surface 114 may be calleda second table surface 114. Although used interchangeably herein, asupport surface can take on other support forms other than a table.

The support surface and or the support structure as whole may beconfigured to support weights of at least 20 lbs, but in someembodiments, the support surface may be configured to support 100 lbs ormore, or may be configured to support 200 lbs or more.

The illustrative storage apparatus 200 includes a first storage surface212 and a second storage surface 214 opposite the first storage surface212. The storage apparatus 200 is adapted to be coupled to the supportpost 120 (e.g., a support post 120 of a table 100 or other structurethat provides support). As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1a-1f , anattachment aperture 230 extends through the storage apparatus 200 fromthe first storage surface 212 to the second storage surface 214 creatingan opening or aperture extending through the storage apparatus 200. Insome embodiments the attachment is centrally located (e.g. substantiallycentrally located or located at or near a geometric center, or at ornear a center of mass of the storage apparatus 200). However, in somealternate embodiments, the attachment apparatus may be offset from thecenter of the storage apparatus 200. The storage apparatus may beoffset, particularly in embodiments where the support post 120 is alsooffset from the center of the support surface 110, but is not limited tosuch embodiments.

The attachment aperture 230 may be configured such that the support post120 may extend through the attachment aperture 230 (e.g., opening). Inthe illustrative embodiment, the support post 120 extends from a firstend portion 122 to a second end portion 124. The first end portion 122(e.g., lower end portion) may be mounted to a floor. In some embodimentsthe first end portion 122 is configured for stable support by a floor,or by a physical, fixed connection to a floor. The second end portion124 (e.g. upper end portion) may be configured to be coupled to asupport surface 110 such as a table 100 or other surface for supportingweight. The support post 120 may be coupled to the storage apparatus 200at or near the attachment aperture 230. In some embodiment the secondend portion 124 may terminate at the table top 110. In a preferredembodiment, the second end portion 124 terminates at or near the secondsurface of the table 100. In some embodiments, the support post mayextend through the table top.

The illustrative embodiment depicts a support post 120 extending throughthe storage apparatus 200. However, in some embodiments the support post120 may not extend through the storage apparatus 200. For example, insome embodiments the storage apparatus 200 may not have an attachmentaperture 230. The support post 120 may be divided into two pieces thatdo not extend through an attachment aperture 230. Portions as describedherein may describe discrete pieces, or portions of one continuousmember.

In some embodiments, and as labeled in FIG. 1b , the support post 120may have a first support post portion 120 a and a second support postportion 120 b (either one continuous post, or two or more individualpieces coupled together).

The first support post portion 120 a may be coupled to the storageapparatus 200 (e.g., at or near the second storage surface 214). Thefirst support post portion 120 a may extend away from the storageapparatus 200 towards the first end portion 122 along the longitudinalaxis of the support post 126. The first support post portion 120 a maybe configured to be rigidly connected to a floor (e.g., in a quickconnect, no fasteners manner, or any other suitable arrangement) at alocation along the longitudinal axis of the support post 126 that isspaced apart from the storage apparatus 200.

The storage apparatus 200 may be spaced apart from the floor whenassembled and installed a distance equal to or substantially equal to alength L1 of the first support post portion 120 a, or a first spacingS1. In some embodiments the length L1 of the first support post portion120 a is between about 12-18 inches. In some embodiments the firstspacing S1 is between about 12-18 inches, or between about 13-17 inches.In a preferred embodiment, S1 is between 15-17 inches. In a mostpreferred embodiment, the first spacing is between about 15.5-16.5inches.

In an alternate embodiment where foot clearance is not required, thefirst spacing S1 may be less than 12 inches.

The second support post portion 120 b may extend away from the secondsupport surface 110 along the longitudinal axis of the support post 126.The second support post portion 120 b may be coupled to the supportsurface 110 (e.g., at or near the second support surface 110). Thelongitudinal axis of the support post 126 may be substantiallyperpendicular to the support surface plane 116. The second support postportion 120 b may be coupled to the storage apparatus 200 (e.g., at ornear the first storage surface 212).

The storage apparatus 200 may be spaced apart from the support surface110 along the support post 120 a distance equal to or substantiallyequal to a second length L2 of the second support post portion 120, or asecond spacing S2. In some embodiments the second length L2 of thesecond support post portion 120 b is between about 4-12 inches, or thespacing S2 is between about 4-12 inches. In a preferred embodiment, S2is between 6-10 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, S2 may bebetween about 7-9 inches, and more preferably about 8 inches.

The benefit of the spacing of the first support post portion 120 a andthe second support post portion 120 b as described herein allowsclearance for large coolers to be slid around the storage apparatus 200on most pontoon boats, while still allowing items being stored to beinserted and removed from the storage receptacle 240 without beinghindered by the support surface 110 (e.g., table top). In someembodiments, the position and size of the storage apparatus 200 preventsa user from sitting close to the table 100 with the user's knees at a 90degree bend under the table top 110. Close to the table may be describedas the user's abdomen or chest within 1 to 8 inches of the table top110. Herein a user may be described as a 50% male user, such as the sizeof a 50% male crash test dummy, or a 5% female of the same.

The storage apparatus 200 defines a storage apparatus dimension 250,such as a diameter, width or an area in the plane of the storageapparatus 200. Likewise, the support surface 110 defines a supportsurface dimension 150, such as a diameter, width, or an area in theplane of the support surface 110. In the illustrative embodiment, and asshown in FIGS. 1a-1e , the storage apparatus dimension 250 (e.g.,diameter, width or area) is less than a support surface dimension 150(e.g., diameter, width or area). In some embodiments, including the caseof non-uniform shapes, the maximum storage apparatus dimension 250 inthe plane of the storage apparatus 216 may be less than the maximumsupport surface 110 dimension in the plane of the support surface 116.In some embodiments, the storage apparatus dimension 250 may be 10-60%less than the support surface dimension 150. In more preferredembodiments, the storage apparatus dimension 250 may be 20-50% less thanthe support surface dimension 150. For example, the storage apparatusdimension 250 may be about 30% less than the support surface dimension150. In a most preferred embodiment, the diameter or width across thestorage apparatus may be between 8-16 inches and the diameter or widthacross the support surface may be between 18-20 inches.

The benefit of the storage apparatus 200 being smaller than the supportsurface 110 is three-fold. For example, the support surface 110 providesshade to the majority of the storage apparatus 200 when a light sourcelocated above the first support surface 112, and facing the firstsupport surface 112, is directed along the longitudinal axis of thesupport post 126 in a direction facing the plane of the support surface116. Second, it accomplishes this while allowing some level of room forthe knees of a user sitting at or near the table 100 to extend under thetable top 110, if desired. Third, the design maintains space for cargoloading (e.g., onto a pontoon boat).

The support surface 110 provides shade to varying degrees based on theangle of the light source (e.g., the sun). The support surface 110provides shade to the majority of the storage apparatus 200 when a lightsource located above the first support surface 112 and facing the firstsupport surface 112 intersects the support surface 110 at an angle of 70degrees. The support surface 110 provides shade to all of the storageapparatus 200 from a light source (e.g., the sun) located directly abovethe first support surface 112 and facing the first support surface 112.

In some embodiments, the storage apparatus 200 is configured to becoupled to a support post 120 that has a cross-sectional diameter orwidth across (e.g., widest cross section) in the range of about 1-4inches. In a preferred embodiment, the support post 120 has across-sectional diameter or width in the range of about 1.5-2.5 inches,and in a more preferred embodiment the support post 120 diameter isabout 1.75-2.25 inches. Herein about may be interpreted as plus or minus10%.

The illustrative storage apparatus 200 includes one or more storagereceptacles arranged around the attachment aperture 230. In theillustrative embodiment, the storage receptacles may be arrangedradially around the attachment aperture 230. In some embodiments thestorage receptacles may be formed as circular cylindrical or othershaped recesses having a depth of between about 2-4 inches, andpreferably about 3 or 3.25 inches.

With regard to the incorporation of embodiments of the storage apparatus200. In some embodiments, the storage apparatus 200 may be provided withintegrally molded or incorporated storage receptacles 140 (e.g., 240).In some embodiments, the storage receptacles 140 may be provided asseparate pieces that can be inserted into the storage apparatus. Forexample, in some embodiments, at least one of the one or more storagereceptacles 140 includes a standard sized drop in cup holder insert thatis insertable into a receptacle aperture in the storage apparatus 200.In some embodiments, the receptacle aperture may be about 3.75 inches,such as between about 3.5 inches and 4.0 inches. In some embodiments,the receptacle aperture may be about 3 inches, such as between about 2¾″and 3¼″ in diameter.

In some embodiments, the storage receptacle is a universal cup holderinsert, such as a universal 3.75 inch cup holder insert available fromAmarine-Made that includes about the following dimensions: a heightoverall including a drain fitting of 4 inches, a height overallexcluding drain fitting of 3.25 inches, a diameter overall lip outsideof 4.25″, a diameter inside (large) of 3.625 inches, a diameter inside(small) of 2.625 inches.

In some embodiments, the storage receptacle 140 is a universal cupholder insert, available from Shoreline Marine, such as the 3.25″×4″ cupholder insert, or a cup holder insert available from Brybelly thatincludes about the following dimensions: 3 3/16 inches in diameter andis 2 5/16 inches tall. Other cup holder, including universal drop in cupholder inserts may be used. Other manufacturers and brands may also beused.

In some embodiments the storage apparatus 200 is provided without thestorage receptacles themselves but may be provided as receptacleapertures in the storage apparatus into which storage receptacles 140(e.g. drop in cup holder inserts) may be inserted.

Storage receptacle 140 recesses may take on the form of other shapessuch as rectangular cuboid recesses may also be provided.

In some embodiments, the storage apparatus 200 is sized and shaped tostore at least one of a 12 ounce can or a 20 ounce bottle of sodaupright without tipping over when the storage apparatus 200 isaccelerated in a linear motion in the plane of the storage apparatus 216from zero to 15 miles per hour in 20 seconds (e.g., linearly or overstill water). In some embodiments, the storage apparatus 200 may havegreater or lesser capabilities for restraining items while under motion.In some embodiments, the storage apparatus is capable of storing the 20ounce bottle of soda without tipping over during motion when the storageapparatus 200 is coupled to a table on a 2006 Sun Tracker Party BargePontoon. The soda may be restrained under linear motion that isconsistent or accelerating as described, and/or over 1-2 ft waves and/orat an angle of 10-20 degrees from ground (e.g., 15 degrees, or anycombination thereof within these ranges).

To facilitate attachment and to reduce vibration transmission andrattling noises, the illustrative storage system 100 may include asleeve 300 (e.g., a flexible sleeve 300, dampening layer, flexiblelayer), and one or more fixation devices. The sleeve 300 may be locatedaround at least a portion of the support post 120 and sized and shapedto extend through the attachment aperture 230. When assembled, thesleeve 300 may be located between the attachment aperture 230 of thestorage apparatus 200 and the support post 120 to which the storageapparatus 200 is mounted. The sleeve 300 may be configured to providedampening of vibrations to the storage apparatus 200 when the storageapparatus 200 is coupled to the support post 120 extending through theattachment aperture 230.

The sleeve 300 may be of generally cylindrical shape, however, in someembodiments it could be a sheet or layer of material that can be rolledinto a cylindrical shape without being a continuous cylinder. In theillustrative embodiment, the sleeve 300 is a cylinder of neoprenematerial. The thickness of the sleeve 300 may be about 0.5 mm-10 mmthickness. The length of the sleeve 300 along the longitudinal axis ofthe support post 126 is between about 3-10 inches, and more preferablybetween about 5-7 inches. The sleeve 300 may be coupled to the supportpost 120 by one or more fixation devices that are sized and shaped tocouple the flexible sleeve 300 to the support post 120.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 1b , the first fixation device 310 may becoupled to the support post 120 between the storage apparatus 200 andthe first end portion 122 of the support post 120. The second fixationdevice 320 is hidden from view in FIG. 1a due to the storagereceptacles. It is shown in FIGS. 1b and 1e and may be similarly coupledto the support post 120 between the storage apparatus 200 and the secondend portion 124 of the support post 120. In other words, the firstfixation device 310 may be coupled to the support post 120 at a locationcloser to the first end portion 122 of the support post 120 than thelocation of the storage apparatus 200 to the first end portion 122; thesecond fixation device 320 may be coupled to the support post 120 at alocation closer to the second end portion 124 of the support post 120than the location of the storage apparatus 200 from the second endportion 124.

In some embodiments, and as shown in the illustrative embodiment, atleast one of the first fixation device 310 or the second fixation device320 may be a clamping device configured to exert a compressive force onthe support post 120, and the sleeve 300 and/or the support post 120.Examples of fixation devices that provide a clamping force include hoseclamps (e.g., with or without the split bushing depicted in FIG. 1e ),and tie straps. Any suitable fixation device may be used, compressive orotherwise.

Both the first fixation device 310 and the second fixation device 320are not required in all embodiments. In some embodiments the fixationdevice may couple the storage apparatus 200 to the support post 120through the storage apparatus 200 (e.g. a coupling via a screw through ahole in the storage apparatus 200 and the support post 120).

In some embodiments, including the illustrative embodiment of FIGS.1a-1f , the location that the storage apparatus 200 is coupled to alongthe support post 120 is infinitely adjustable without modifying,adjusting or manipulating features on the support post 120. Infinitelyadjustable means that the storage apparatus 200 is not limited topredetermined, incremental and set attachment locations along the post,rather it can be slid along the support post 120 and be coupled withoutrequiring corresponding features between the storage apparatus 200 andthe support post 120 to be aligned. In other embodiments, the storageapparatus 200 may not be infinitely adjustable, but rather may beadjusted incrementally. For example a hole in both the storage apparatus200 and the support post 120 may need to be lined up and fastenedtogether with a fastening element such as a screw or pin.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the support structure may be atable 100, and the support surface 110 thus may be a table top, as wouldbe commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Embodiments of a storage apparatus 200 having a variety of shapes andstorage receptacles are considered. FIGS. 3a-3e depict just a few ofsuch examples.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a storage apparatus 200 including anauxiliary storage element 400 that may be incorporated into either orboth of the storage apparatus 200 or the table top 110. The auxiliarystorage element 400 may be a flexible, concavely arranged material(e.g., net). The auxiliary storage element 400 may be coupled to thestorage apparatus 200 or the table top 110 with detached portions 410that allow items like sunscreen, goggles and hair brushes to beinserted. The auxiliary storage element 400 may be configured to storeand restrain these items under movement as previously described withrespect to the storage receptacles 140 and 240.

An illustrative method of assembling the previously described supportstructure such as a table 100 will now be described with reference tothe previously described system, apparatus and structure. Although themethod will be described specifically with respect to a table 100, themethod could be applied to another support structure supported by asupport post 120. The use of the term support structure may apply totables and other support structures and is not limited to tables.

As shown in FIG. 5, the illustrative method 500 may include providing atable 100. The table 100 of step 510 may include the previouslydescribed table 100 having the table top 110, the support post 120 andthe storage apparatus 200. The table top 110 may be described as havingthe first table surface 112 and the second table surface 114 oppositethe first table surface 112. The table top 110 may include the table topconnection point configured to couple the table top 110 to the supportpost 120. The provided support post 120 may extend along thelongitudinal axis 126 from the first end portion 122 to the second endportion 124.

Step 520 of the method may further include providing the storageapparatus 200 having a first storage apparatus surface 212 and a secondstorage apparatus surface 214 opposite the first storage apparatussurface 212. The storage apparatus 200 may include the attachmentaperture 230 extending through the storage apparatus 200 from the firststorage apparatus surface 212 to the second storage apparatus surface214. The storage apparatus 200 having the one or more storagereceptacles 240 arranged around the attachment aperture 230.

In the illustrative method, the table 100 includes the support post 120that may extend through the attachment aperture 230. The storageapparatus 200 may be couplable to the support post 120 at a locationalong the longitudinal axis of the support post 126 that is spaced apartfrom the table top 110 and the first end portion 122 of the support post120.

In an embodiment where the table 100 is already assembled, and thestorage apparatus 200 is an aftermarket item that is added to the table100, the method may include removing the table top 110 from the secondend portion 124 of the support post 120 before the coupling the storageapparatus 200 to the table 100 (step 530). Step 530 can also becompleted by removing a quick-connect feature at the first end portion122 of the support post 120. The purpose of removing the table top 110or the quick-connect feature is to allow access for the storageapparatus 200 to slide over the support post 120 in later steps of themethod.

In some embodiments, step 540 includes providing a flexible sleeve 300and/or one or more fixation devices (e.g., first fixation device 310,second fixation device 320 etc.). The sleeve 300 configured to reducetransmission of vibrations, squeaks, rattles etc. between the storageapparatus 200 and the support post 120. In some embodiments, step 545includes placing the flexible sleeve 300 around the support post 120 bysliding a sleeve 300 over the support post 120. The sliding step 545 mayinclude starting at the second end portion 124 and sliding the sleeve300 to the location intermediate the first end portion 122 and thesecond end portion 124 (or vice-versa). The step 545 of placing theflexible sleeve 300 around the support post 120 may be performed beforeinserting the support post 120 through the attachment aperture 230,which may occur in step 550. In other embodiments, step 545 of placingthe flexible sleeve 300 around the support post 120 may be by wrappingthe sleeve 300 around the support post 120.

Step 550 includes inserting the support post 120 through the attachmentaperture 230 of the storage apparatus 200. In some embodiments, thesleeve 300 of the support post 120 is located between the support post120 and the storage apparatus 200 when the storage apparatus 200 isproperly located on the support post 120, as assembled. In variousembodiments, the storage apparatus 200 may be slid over the support post120 starting at the first end portion 122 or the second end portion 124.

Step 560 may include coupling the storage apparatus 200 to the supportpost 120. The step 560 of coupling the storage apparatus 200 to thesupport post 120 may be broken down into steps 560 a and 560 b. Forexample, step 560 a may include coupling a first fixation device 310 tothe support post 120 between the first end portion 122 and the secondend portion 124, wherein the first fixation device 310 is coupled to thesupport post 120 closer to the first end portion 122 than the storageapparatus 200 is coupled to the first end portion 122. Step 560 b mayinclude coupling a second fixation device 320 to the support post 120between the first end portion 122 and the second end portion 124,wherein the second fixation device 320 is coupled to the support post120 closer to the second end portion 124 than the storage apparatus 200is coupled to the second end portion 124.

In other words, step 560 a and 560 b may include coupling the firstfixation device 310 to the support post 120 between the storageapparatus 200 and the first end portion 122 (e.g., floor end) of thesupport post 120 (step 560 a). Step 560 b may include coupling a secondfixation device 320 to the support post 120 between the storageapparatus 200 and the second end portion 124 (e.g., table top end) ofthe support post 120. In some embodiments at least one or both of thefirst fixation device 310 or the second fixation device 320 is aclamping device configured to exert a compressive force on the supportpost 120.

Steps 560 a and 560 b may occur in variety of orders. For example, step560 a may occur followed by step 560 b. This order is not required butmay be preferred for ease of assembly. In some embodiments, step 560 canbe a single step, or the coupling can be made at the storage apparatus200 coupling to the support post 120.

Step 570 may include coupling the table top 110 to the support post 120at a table top 110 connection located along the support post 120 distalfrom the first end portion 122, or coupling the table top 110 to thesecond end portion 124 of the support post 120.

Other methods of assembling a storage apparatus 200 to a support post120 have been considered. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage apparatus 200may be a multipart design including a first storage part 600 a thatslides around a support post 120 (as previously described with referenceto the embodiments of 1 a-e and 2 a-2 c, 3 a-3 e and 4), and a secondstorage part 600 b that interconnects with first storage part 600 a. Theembodiment of FIG. 6 may be used with one or more fixation devices, butis not required.

Various examples have been described. These and other examples arewithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A storage apparatus for attachment to a support post of a supportstructure of a boat, the storage apparatus comprising: a first storagesurface and a second storage surface opposite the first storage surface;an attachment aperture extending through the storage apparatus from thefirst storage surface to the second storage surface, the attachmentaperture configured to be coupled to a support post of the supportstructure via one or more fixation devices; one or more storagereceptacles arranged around the attachment aperture, the storagereceptacles are configured to restrain drinks while the boat is inmotion.
 2. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachmentaperture is substantially centrally located on the storage apparatus andthe storage receptacles are arranged radially around the attachmentaperture.
 3. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supportstructure that the storage apparatus is configured to be coupled to is atable.
 4. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storageapparatus further comprises a flexible sleeve, wherein the flexiblesleeve is sized and shaped to extend through the attachment aperture andconfigured to provide dampening of vibrations to the storage apparatus,when the storage apparatus is coupled to a support post that extendsthrough the attachment aperture, further wherein the one or morefixation devices are sized and shaped to couple the flexible sleeve tothe support post.
 5. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein thediameter of the support post is between 1.5-2.5 inches.
 6. The storageapparatus of claim 1, wherein when the storage apparatus is sized andshaped to store at least one of a 12 ounce can or a 20 ounce bottle ofsoda without tipping over when the storage apparatus is accelerated on aboat in a linear motion in the plane of the storage apparatus from zeroto 15 miles per hour in 20 seconds, the plane of the storage apparatusat an angle of 15 degrees from ground.
 7. The storage apparatus of claim1, wherein the diameter or width of the storage apparatus is between8-16 inches.
 8. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storageapparatus comprises one or more receptacle apertures configured tosupport at least one of the one or more storage receptacles, and whereinat least one of the storage receptacles comprises a 3.0 inch or 3.75inch universal drop in cup holder insert.
 9. The storage apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein at least one of the one or more receptacle apertures isbetween about 2.75 inches and 4.0 inches.
 10. A method of assembling astorage apparatus to a support structure of a boat, the methodcomprising: receiving: a support structure comprising a table top havinga first table surface and a second table surface opposite the firsttable surface; a support post extending along a longitudinal axis from afirst end portion to a second end portion, wherein the table top and thesupport post are couplable at a table top connection point, and whereinthe support post is configured for coupling to a floor at a first endportion; a storage apparatus comprising: a first storage apparatussurface and a second storage apparatus surface opposite the firststorage apparatus surface; an attachment aperture extending through thestorage apparatus from the first storage apparatus surface to the secondstorage apparatus surface; one or more storage receptacles arrangedaround the attachment aperture, inserting the support post of the tablethrough the attachment aperture of the storage apparatus; coupling thestorage apparatus to the support post at a location along thelongitudinal axis of the support post that is spaced apart from thetable top; and coupling the table top to the support post at the tabletop connection located along the support post distal from the first endportion.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising removing thetable top from the support post before the step of inserting the postthrough the attachment aperture of the storage apparatus.
 12. The methodof claim 10, further comprising coupling a first fixation device to thesupport post between the storage apparatus and the first end portion ofthe support post.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprisingcoupling a second fixation device to the support post between thestorage apparatus and the second end portion of the support post. 14.The method of claim 10, further comprising placing a flexible sleevearound the post before the step of inserting the support post throughthe attachment aperture of the storage apparatus.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein placing the flexible sleeve around the support postcomprises sliding a sleeve over the support post starting at the secondend portion and sliding the sleeve to the location intermediate thefirst end portion and second end portion.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising: providing a flexible sleeve configured to reducetransmission of vibrations between the storage apparatus and the supportpost; removing the table top from the support post before the step ofinserting the post through the attachment aperture of the storageapparatus; placing the flexible sleeve around the support post bysliding a sleeve over the support post starting at the second endportion and sliding the sleeve to the location intermediate the firstend portion and the second end portion; coupling a first fixation deviceto at least one or both of the support post and the storage apparatus;coupling the table top to the second end portion of the support post.17. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more storage receptaclesare sized and shaped to store a 12 ounce can or 20 ounce bottle of sodaupright in at least one of the one or more storage receptacles withouttipping over when the storage apparatus is accelerated in a linearmotion in the plane of the storage apparatus from zero to 15 miles perhour in 20 seconds.
 18. A support structure for a boat, the supportstructure having a storage capabilities, the support structurecomprising: a table top having a first table surface opposite a secondtable surface, the table top extending along a table top plane; asupport post extending along a longitudinal axis substantially parallelto the table top plane, the support post having a first end portion anda second end portion, the support post coupled to the table top; astorage apparatus comprising: a first storage surface and a secondstorage surface opposite the first storage surface; an attachmentaperture extending through the storage apparatus from the first storagesurface to the second storage surface; one or more storage receptaclesarranged around the attachment aperture, wherein the support postextends through the attachment aperture and the storage apparatus iscoupled to the support post at a location along the longitudinal axis ofthe support post that is spaced apart from the table top.
 19. Thesupport structure of claim 18, wherein the support structure is a tablehaving a table mounting mechanism configured to fixedly mount the tableto a floor of a boat.
 20. The support structure of claim 18, wherein thesupport surface provides shade to the majority of the storage apparatuswhen a light source located above the first support surface and facingtoward the first support surface intersects the support surface at anangle of 70 degrees with respect to the support surface plane.